Menstruation On Low Carb Diets

Low-carbohydrate diets are maintaining popularity since the introduction of the Atkins and Zone diets. Such diets promote restricting intake of carbohydrates in favor of higher ratios of proteins and healthy fats. Restricting carbohydrates may not only lead to weight loss but also to changes in menstruation patterns and other side effects. The diets may regulate menstrual cycles or, in the case of severe calorie and nutrient restriction, may lead to loss of menstruation. Discuss low-carbohydrate diets with your doctor prior to starting one to ensure that it is the right diet choice for you.

Low-Carb Diets

Low-carbohydrate diets promote reduced consumption of carbohydrates, particularly simple carbohydrates, such as white bread, that elevate blood glucose levels. Low-carb diets promote weight loss in the short-term, but according to Dietitians of Canada, long-term studies have shown that the number of calories consumed is most important, not the ratio of protein to carbohydrates. Low-carb diets promote quick weight loss and may be tempting for those seeking to drop weight in a short period of time. According to a study published in May 2003 in the "New England Journal of Medicine," low-carbohydrate diets prompt greater weight loss in the first six months. However, after the first six months, weight loss patterns are similar to other calorie-restricting diets.

Low-Carb Diet May Prevent Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is the abnormal absence of menstrual periods. It is caused by a number of factors, including diet, stress and medical conditions. Mayo Clinic reports that low body weight can be a contributing factor to amenorrhea. Low-carbohydrate diets may prevent this condition by encouraging the consumption of additional sources of dietary protein. According to Nancy Clark, M.S., R.D., C.S.S.D., on AthletesAdvisor.com, amenorrheic athletes tend to eat less protein than their regularly menstruating counterparts.

Low-Carb Diet May Cause Amenorrhea

Conflicting with evidence that low-carb diets may regulate menstruation is the research that they may also contribute to amenorhhea when calorie restriction and carbohydrate restriction are done in excess. According to Brown University, calorie-restricting diets may lead to a disruption or absence of menstruation. A study published in June 2003 in the academic journal "Epilepsia" noted that disruption of menstruation in adolescents was the most common side effect in the subjects following a low-carb diet. Although research is conflicting as to whether low-carbohydrate diets have a positive or negative impact on menstrual cycles, it is clear that low-carb diets can impact menstruation.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

A study published in September 2001 in the "Journal of Adolescent Health" demonstrates that low-carbohydrate diets may promote restoration of normal menstruation when paired with the medication metformin in girls with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study found that normal menstruation returned to 91 percent of the sample of 11 girls, suggesting low-carbohydrate diets and metformin as potential treatments for irregular menstruation in girls with PCOS.

Other Side Effects

CBS News reported in 2009 on a number of potential side effects caused by low-carbohydrate diets. Some side effects include headaches, poor concentration, muscle weakness and changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea and constipation. The report also noted research that links muscle cramps, bad breath and skin conditions such as rashes with low-carb diets. Your body requires a minimum of 150 g of carbohydrates on a daily basis for proper nutrition.